Legislation that would improve prosecution of indecent exposure passed through its second committee stop in the Senate today. SB 1018 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) passed unanimously through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The bill improves the ability of law enforcement to investigate and act without delay to apprehend a suspect before they re-offend or escalate their acts. The bill also escalates penalties, by creating a misdemeanor exception allowing a warrantless arrest if an officer has probable cause. For repeat offenders the bill increases penalties to a 3rd degree felony. This increase in penalties allows for a more meaningful prosecution of individuals who show a pattern of this behavior.
“We know that when violators get away with this type of act, they often feel emboldened to continue,” said Stewart. “We want to give law enforcement the tools they need in order to stop this type of behavior in its tracks.”
